Notebook choices in 2017 reflected a market balancing premium design, evolving hardware, and distinct user priorities. This overview highlights the best notebooks of 2017 through structured comparisons and practical guidance for different workflows.
Below you will find a detailed summary of leading models, followed by deeper explorations of performance, design, and value topics to help you choose confidently.
| Model | Key Strengths | Display | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell XPS 13 9360 | Sleek aluminum, strong build, good keyboard | 13.3" FHD+ InfinityEdge | ~$999 |
| MacBook Pro 13" with Touch Bar | Excellent display, powerful performance, macOS ecosystem | 13.3" Retina Touch Bar | ~$1,299 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon | Durable, comfortable keyboard, business-ready security | 14" FHD anti-glare | $1,279 |
| HP Spectre x360 13 | Premium convertible, strong performance, attractive hinge | 13.3" 4K Touch OLED | $1,100 |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop | Compact chassis, great screen, premium finish | 13.5" PixelSense Display | $999 |
Performance and Battery Life in 2017
Performance in the best notebooks of 2017 was largely defined by Intel's 7th generation Kaby Lake processors and, on the high end, quad-core mobile chips that handled creative workloads more comfortably. Integrated graphics improved enough for casual gaming and photo editing, while dedicated GPUs such as the GTX 1050 appeared in thicker gaming and workstation machines.
Battery life remained tightly linked to screen resolution and thermal design, with premium ultrabooks often reaching 8 to 12 hours on mixed usage, while high-performance models with larger screens and discrete GPUs could dip below 5 hours under heavy load. Fast charging and power management features became important differentiators as users relied more on all-day portability.
Design, Build Quality, and Portability
Design language in 2017 shifted toward minimal bezels, premium metals, and slimmer profiles without sacrificing port selection. Manufacturers used aluminum, magnesium alloys, and carbon fiber to balance stiffness and weight, making 13-inch models especially attractive for travelers who wanted durability without bulk.
Keyboard comfort and key travel mattered more than ever, with many reviewers praising ThinkPad and premium Dell layouts, while hinge strength and display opening angles became key quality indicators for convertibles and 2-in-1s that users set on their laps for extended sessions.
Display Choices and User Experience
Screen quality in 2017 notebooks matured quickly, with 1080p IPS panels becoming standard on mainstream devices and 4K and OLED options appearing on premium models that targeted media creators and enthusiasts. Color accuracy, brightness, and viewing angles varied widely, so professionals often looked for factory calibration and hardware-based color profiles rather than marketing labels alone.
Touchscreens, pen support, and convertible form factors added flexibility, but users discovered that glossy screens boosted reflections, whereas matte finishes reduced glare at the cost of slightly lower contrast. Selecting the right panel involved balancing input preferences, environment, and battery impact rather than chasing the highest resolution.
Value and Long-Term Ownership
Best notebooks 2017 value was shaped by memory, storage, and warranty options more than by headline processor numbers, because most users benefited from 8 GB of RAM and fast SSDs that eliminated loading delays. Configurability mattered, with some brands allowing easy memory and SSD upgrades, while others soldered components in place, making early decisions critical for future-proofing.
Support coverage, build quality, and driver stability influenced total cost of ownership, as machines with solid customer service and reliable firmware updates often outlasted rivals with similar specs but weaker software ecosystems. Buyers who considered extended warranties, accidental damage plans, and trade-in programs found that value extended far beyond the initial purchase price.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- Choose ultraportable designs like the Dell XPS 13 or Surface Laptop for everyday mobility and reliable battery life.
- Select models with 8 GB RAM and an SSD as a baseline to ensure smooth multitasking and fast boot times in 2017 usage scenarios.
- Consider a convertible like the HP Spectre x360 if you need tablet functionality, but verify hinge strength and pen support if drawing is important.
- For business or durability needs, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon remains a strong choice thanks to its keyboard, security features, and build quality.
- Match your display preference to your environment, favoring matte screens for bright offices and higher-resolution panels for color-critical work.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which notebook is best for everyday work and mobility in 2017?
For everyday work and mobility, the Dell XPS 13 9360 and Microsoft Surface Laptop offer balanced performance, long battery life, and lightweight designs that suit frequent travelers and office users.
What notebook delivers the best creative performance without breaking the budget in 2017?
The HP Spectre x360 13 and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon provide strong CPU performance, good displays, and durable builds at price points that appeal to professionals and students working on demanding applications.
How important is display quality when choosing a notebook in 2017?
Display quality is very important, as 1080p IPS screens became standard on premium models, while 4K and OLED options benefited color-sensitive work; however, matte finishes and lower power consumption often made 1080p the pragmatic choice for many users.
Should I prioritize battery life or performance when selecting a notebook in 2017?
Prioritize battery life if you need consistent all-day use without outlets, and choose moderate processors with integrated graphics; if you regularly run demanding tasks and have access to power, a performance-focused model with a discrete GPU may better serve your needs.